Photographed by Pierce Marratto MSM goes one on one with Juliette Cam, lead singer for Zen The Band MSM: Tell us a little about the history of your band. How did you get started? JC: We are actually very lucky as a band because we kind of just fell into place. My brother, Daniel (guitar) and I moved with our family to Biscayne Park in 1998. We then met the family of brothers Addison (drums) and Alex Smith (guitar) and also the family of Robert Bare (bass). We all grew up together and in 2005 is when Alex approached the rest of the guys about playing in a band. They agreed and that’s when Alex asked me to sing. Alex wrote the first song we that recorded and played called “fairytales” and that is how we got started practicing. MSM: Who are some of your music influences? JC: Some of our influences would be Radiohead, Chilli Peppers, Coldplay, Blind Melon, The Cranberrys, No Doubt, Metric, Pink Floyd, there are just so many influences that have inspired us to create our own sound. MSM: Do you plan to perform a mix of originals and covers for the MTV and ROCK KULTURE event? Can you tell us a little more about this event? JC: For the Rock Kulture show, we plan to only play our originals. The MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Rock Kulture brought ZEN together with 7 other bands and 2 DJs to raise awareness and funds for HIV & AIDS prevention. The event takes place on Saturday September 21st in South Beach. It is an honor for us because it is also a ZEN reuninion show. We took a two year break as a band because we all had our own things going on, but thanks to this show ZEN is back in action. MSM: Does the band have any pre-performance rituals? What do you do to get ready for a big show? JC: Before most of our shows we get together in the garage at the Smiths house warm up, and go through the set. We also do a lot of goofing around to lighten the mood as it’s important to remember it’s for the enjoyment of the music and the amazing satisfaction we all get from playing. Once on stage we usually also huddle and say a little prayer to the universe to keep us tight. MSM: Describe the recording process. JC: Our recording process has been different for our two cds. The first cd, was recorded at Dungeon studios where all five of us stayed all day for a couple weeks listening to each other record our parts. In order to get the right timing and sound we had to play all together so its a lot of repetition. Once the instrumentals are recorded I then lay my tracks last. The second cd, “By my Side”, we recorded in our own studio in the Garage. We had to work a lot harder to set up, edit, produce, ect. It was fun to record in the comfort of our own band “home” as we didn’t have a time frame and the pressures of studio expenses. MSM: Who had the final say on the group name? How do you feel the name coincides with your music style and overall performance style? JC: Alex originally had the idea for the name ZEN when he asked us to play together. As far as our sound goes we all write our own parts as we go, so it really is a blend of all our own artistic expression. In a way, our ‘ZEN’ is the ability to bring together 5 minds and create a union through music. The feeling of satisfaction the music gives us is something that comes from within all of us. Our ZEN look is pretty laid back, hippy, nothing too flashy or in your face, no shoes – Haha. The guys all had long hair at one point but I think it has shortened as we have grown up a bit. I wouldn’t say our music is something you would meditate to, its more like easy listening, a chill sound with a little bit of rocking out. MSM: What are some of the biggest gigs you’ve played so far? JC: We have played at so many venues in Miami but one our favorite places to play would be Churchills. We have played there the most and it feels like home. We also enjoyed playing at different colleges like Miami Dade, Broward College, New College in Sarasota, and Nova Southeastern. I’d have to say this show with MTV has to be the biggest so far, we are stoked to be part of the production team and cause. I feel like we have also matured as a band and are better musicians at this point so it will be our best show yet. MSM: Tell us your favorite things about Miami! JC: Our favorite things in Miami… hmm lets see, well of course there’s the beaches!! The diversity and blend of so many cultures makes it so awesome. Being open to different people and exposed to different lifestyles broadens the perspective. The art scene is another aspect of Miami we love as we are all artistic in the band and have much appreciation for it. Get your tickets Now to Rock Kulture! Saturday September 21st 2013 www.rockkulture.com
